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This casserole loaded with meats is your go-to for busy weeknights when you want all your favorite pizza flavors in a warm, one-dish meal. It stacks savory ground beef, spicy pepperoni, and flavorful sausage with gooey mozzarella and a crunchy golden pizza dough crust on top that bakes just right.
I whipped this up when my family was super hungry and it quickly became a favorite because everyone loved how tasty and filling it was.
What You Need
- 85% lean ground beef: gives a meaty, juicy base without too much grease
- Your favorite pork sausage: adds moisture and a bit of spice whether you like it mild or Italian seasoned
- Fresh chopped pepperoni: delivers classic spicy pizza flavor and a nice kick
- All-purpose flour: helps the sauce thicken so it’s not runny
- Italian herbs: an herb mix that brings all the meat and cheese flavors together—choose a fresh jar for better taste
- Tomato basil pasta sauce: acts as your pizza sauce—pick a good one with bright tomato and real basil flavor
- Shredded mozzarella: melts into stringy, cheesy layers for that perfect texture—fresh shredded mozzarella works great if you have time
- Chilled pizza dough: makes topping the casserole a breeze and bakes up a golden crust—go for one that’s soft and well chilled
- Olive oil: helps crisp up the crust with a light fruity flavor
- Grated parmesan: adds a salty, nutty finish that melts nicely on top
How To Make It
- Start With The Meat:
- Brown the ground beef and sausage in a big skillet on medium-high heat until all the pink is gone. This helps the meat get tasty and releases fat so it browns well. Drain excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy. Put the meat back in the pan for the next step.
- Mix Pepperoni And Sauce Thickener:
- Stir in the chopped pepperoni, flour, and three teaspoons of Italian seasoning with the hot meat. Cook for about a minute to toast the flour and spread the flavor. Then add the pasta sauce and bring it all to a boil on medium-high. The sauce will get thicker and cling to the meat just right. Take the pan off the heat.
- Layer It Up:
- Dump the thick meat and sauce mix into your prepared pan. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of mozzarella over the top evenly. This creates a cheesy layer that balances all the meaty goodness.
- Top It Off:
- Unroll the cold pizza dough and gently lay it over the mozzarella. Press the edges down a bit with your fingers to seal it slightly. Brush olive oil on the dough for browning and sprinkle with the last teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half a cup of mozzarella, and the parmesan cheese. This gives you a golden and cheesy crust topping.
- Bake It Good:
- Bake the whole thing in a 425-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The crust will puff up and get golden brown while the cheese underneath bubbles. Let it sit for a few minutes after baking so it sets and slices cleanly.
What I really love is the crispy crust on top that’s just like pizza but with gooey cheese underneath. One Christmas Eve, after skating, my family gathered around this and it instantly felt like the perfect cozy dinner.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Wrap leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for up to four days. Heat up single portions in the microwave or warm the whole thing at 350 degrees until hot and the crust gets crispy again.
Swap Ideas
If you want something lighter, swap pork sausage for turkey sausage or leave out the pepperoni and add extra mozzarella instead. For a veggie option, replace the meat with plant-based sausage or toss in sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to keep it flavorful.
What To Serve With It
Pair this dish with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or roasted veggies work great too. A cold beer or sparkling water with lemon is a nice, refreshing match.
This dish packs all the great flavors of pizza into a cozy casserole that brings comfort and family together at the table.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Can I use pre-cooked meat for this dish?
Definitely, you can save time by using cooked sausage and ground beef and it won't lose the taste.
- → What can I add to make it spicier?
Throw in some red pepper flakes to the meat mix if you want it to pack more heat.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives to the meats used?
You can swap the meats with plant-based crumbles or seasoned mushrooms to make it meat-free.
- → Can I substitute the pizza crust dough?
Yep, you can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough as the top layer. Puff pastry works too if you want a twist.
- → How do I ensure the crust turns golden and crispy?
Brushing the dough with olive oil and baking it at a high heat helps get that perfect golden and crunchy crust.